Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has criticised plans to force residents and community groups who apply for ward funds to provide a tax clearance certificate. The new procedures being introduced by the city council would require voluntary organisations in receipt of sums ranging from €100-€500 to prove they are tax compliant.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“Ward funds are a life line to many groups active in the local community. The monies involved are small – donations range from as little as €100 to a maximum of €500 – but they can make a big difference to a sports club looking for new equipment or a residents’ association organising a community clean-up.”

“The City Council has announced that in future it will require councillors to request a tax clearance certificate from groups to whom they donate ward funds. This is a ridiculous demand to place on local community groups and residents’ associations. It is also unnecessary. The legislation the council is citing as the basis for this requirement dates to 2006. Why demand a tax certificate now when there has been no such requirement over the past five years?”

“I fully support the concept of openness and accountability in the use of public money. But there are more important targets than the local sports club. At present, councillors who claim conference expenses don’t have to produce receipts. And the council has proved woefully lax in its enforcement of employment standards on sub-contractors engaged on council projects.”

“The City Management should scrap this proposal and not stifle a life-line to the community with red tape.”

Jonathan O’Brien TD has curged NUI graduates in Cork to back Eoin Ó Broin in the Seanad elections. Deputy O’Brien met with Eoin Ó Broin at Leinster House this week to endorse his campaign.

Deputy O’Brien said:

“In the coming weeks, elections will take place to the Seanad. This is likely to be the last election to the Seanad in its current form. But political change will only happen if you elect people who are committed to bringing it about. It won’t be changed by those, who want to maintain the status quo. That is why Sinn Féin is contesting the Seanad elections. We will challenge a political system dominated and corrupted by vested interests and resistant to change.

“Sinn Féin has produced detailed proposals for fundamental political reform including in reform of the Seanad. We need a new Constitution, increased voter participation, an end to excessive salaries and reform of how the Oireachtas does its business.

“I want to call on those who are entitled to vote on the National University Panel in the Seanad elections and who want to see change delivered to vote for Eoin Ó Broin. If elected Eoin will join the strong team of 14 Sinn Féin TDs in providing a real opposition.” ENDS

Profile of Eoin Ó Broin

Eoin Ó Broin lives in Dublin. He is a member of Sinn Fein's Ard Comhairle, writes a regular column for the party’s paper An Phoblacht, and is involved in the development of the party’s European, Economic and Housing policies.

A Sinn Féin and community activist for 15 years Eoin was born in Dublin and lived in Belfast for 11 years where he was National Organiser for Sinn Féin Youth from 1997 to 1999. He was Sinn Féin’s Director of European Affairs from 2004 to 2007.

Eoin has a Masters Degree in Irish Politics from Queens University Belfast and currently works for a national housing charity. He is also the author of two books, a history of the conflict in the Basque Country (2003) and Sinn Féin and the Politics of Left Republicanism (2009).

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has said the award of the €6 million contract to produce and compile Census 2011 to a UK company raises serious issues.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“The award of the six million Euro contact to produce and compile Census 2011 to CACI-UK raises serious issues.”

“At a time of severe unemployment, would it not have been better for the CSO – which is based here in Cork – to hire suitably qualified graduates to carry out the work locally rather than contracting it to a UK company?”

“CACI also has a questionable record. In the past, it provided interrogation staff at the notorious Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, which was the scene of serious human rights abuses. This is the company which will now be processing the personal data of Irish citizens.”

“CACI should never have been hired to do this work. The way in which public contracts like this are awarded needs to be reviewed.”

Speaking in Leinster House on the Moriarty report, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien has said the report should spur reform of the political system and a new culture of patriotism.

He said:

“The Moriarty report is one of the most shocking documents to be published in the history of this state.

It is also one of the most illuminating. It shines a spotlight on the cosy relationship between business and politics in this country – and what it reveals is not pretty.

In recent days the findings of the tribunal have been partially obscured under a torrent of misinformation, deliberate distraction and spin, much of it emanating from Michael Lowry and Denis O’Brien.

We must not let ourselves be distracted from the main issue here.

The issue is that Michael Lowry, as minister for communications in a Fine Gael-led government, manipulated the awarding of a valuable state asset in order to benefit Denis O’Brien, who rewarded him with payments of almost £500,000.

The issue is that Fine Gael accepted over a dozen donations from Mr O’Brien and his companies during the period when they were competing for the mobile phone license.

We are talking about corruption and criminality on an epic scale.

We are talking about a government minister enabling a clique of businessmen to massively enrich themselves at the expense of the Irish state.

We are talking about the rotten relationship between Irish business and Irish politics – a relationship whose fruits we are seeing today in NAMA, the bank guarantee scheme, and the IMF bailout.

The Moriarty report should be taken as a clarion call to make politics honourable again. It should become a historical turning point – the moment when we committed ourselves, as a nation, to root out corruption once and for all; the moment when we began a comprehensive reform of our political system.

We cannot afford to brush it under the carpet. We cannot afford to dismiss it as yesterday’s news. The corrupt nexus of business and politics that it has uncovered remains in place. There will be more Michael Lowrys and more Tribunals in future if we do not act on its findings.

Political decisions must be made openly and transparently. Every Irish citizen must be able to participate in making them.

We need a culture of openness. A culture of civic duty. We need a culture of patriotism.

We need a culture of republicanism.

A republic is a state run by the people, not by a corrupt oligarchy or business elite. This was the ideal of the men and women of 1916 who proclaimed the right of the Irish people to the ownership of Ireland. As we approach the centenary of that event, we need to return to those founding values. We need to initiate a national conversation about a new Ireland – a conversation throughout the 32 counties. Political reform is too important to be left to the politicians. We cannot trust the beneficiaries of our broken system to reform it by ourselves. The only change that matters will come from the bottom up. We should look at this moment of crisis in Irish politics as an opportunity for renewal. If we waste that opportunity, we betray both the legacy of the past, and the promise of the future. The task that faces us today is not just to clean up politics, but to create a genuine republic.”

For further comment or information contact Deputy Jonathan O'Brien 085-2133907

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Cllr Henry Cremin has said the views of local residents and the needs of the community must be taken into account in any redevelopment of the site of the former NBA flats in Togher.

Cllr Cremin stated:

"I am disappointed that the Manager’s Report on the future of the Deanrock site makes no mention of consulting with the local community. Going by his remarks tonight, the Manager is depending on the private sector to come up with proposals for the future of the site. Such proposals will obviously be market-driven rather than designed with the best interests of the community in Togher at heart.”

“The site of the NBA flats is public property and should be developed in the public interest. The priority in any development should be to enhance the community in Togher and to this end the voices of residents must be heard.”

“Many constituents in the area have raised concerns with me in recent months over the nature and extent of development proposed for the site. The majority want a significant green space retained in the area.”

“Given the past use of the site and the 9,000 people waiting for housing in the city, it would also be appropriate that some of the land be used for social housing. Again I was disappointed that the Manager appeared to rule this out.”

“Rather than relying on property developers to decide the future of the site, the council needs to engage with local residents to formulate a clear plan for how it can best be used to enhance the community in Togher.”

For further information or comment, phone Cllr Henry Cremin 086-2662874

Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould tonight put a motion before City Council calling on it to ensure that at least 25% of jobs on council building contracts go to local labour.

Cllr Gould said:

"I am calling on City Council to ensure that all its contactors employ at least 25% local labour. In particular, I want to see more opportunities on council-funded projects for local apprentices.”

“Recently Sinn Féin met with representatives of the Cork Society of Operative Masons who informed us that BAM construction, which is carrying out work on the Glen Regeneration Project and Coal Quay upgrade on contract from the council, are employing no local workers. This is merely the latest manifestation of an ongoing problem.”

"There are thousands of construction workers and apprentices unemployed in Cork. Sinn Fein is putting forward this motion because we believe it is only fair that they should have a chance of employment in their own city.”

The English queen is a symbol of the past who should not be invited to Cork City, Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent said tonight. Cllr Nugent also criticised the Lord Mayor for extending an invitation to the British monarch without consulting the council.

Cllr Nugent said:

"The English queen is a symbol of the past. The British monarchy is based on values of hierarchy, inequality and deference which have no place in a modern republic. I see no reason why this feudal relic should be invited to Cork, or feted at taxpayers' expense by the Lord Mayor."

"Elizabeth Windsor is head of the British armed forces which are responsible for atrocities in Ireland including the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings and Bloody Sunday – acts for which she has never apologised. She still claims to be monarch of a part of our country. Bizarrely, it remains the case that no Catholic can ascend the English throne."

"It is disgraceful that the Lord Mayor, acting in his role as first citizen representing the people of this city, should have invited the English queen to Cork without consulting the council. Contrary to the impression he gave on radio this morning, members of the council were not informed beforehand and had no opportunity to object."

"The British monarch should not be invited to Cork and, if she comes, she should not be welcomed."

Monday, March 28, 2011

Sinn Féin is to put a motion before the Dail tomorrow calling for the abolition of the Universal Social Charge. Speaking this morning, Jonathan O’Brien TD said the motion was a challenge to Fine Gael and Labour to live up to their election promises to bring about change. Deputy O’Brien said: “The Universal Social Charge is grossly unfair. It breaches the fundamental principle of progressive taxation – that those who have more should pay more. It is a flat tax which everyone with an income above €16,016 pays at the same rate of 7%.” “People who are earning as little as €77 a week are paying this tax.”

“At a time of increased mortgage rates and rising prices for food and fuel, this is another heavy burden on the working poor and on families who are struggling to make ends meet.”“There are alternatives. For example, a third rate of tax of 48% on individuals earning incomes of over €100,000 would bring in almost exactly the same amount as the Universal Social Charge, without penalising low-income earners.” “Fine Gael and Labour went before the electorate on a platform of change.

In their programme for government, they promised to review the Universal Social Charge. Sinn Fein’s motion is a challenge to them to live up to these promises. Does this government really want to bring about change or will it mean a continuation of Fianna Fail policies with different faces at the cabinet table?” For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Jonathan O'Brien TD has welcomed yesterday's agreement by the HSE to provide bridging funding for the Little Steps Créche in Farranree to keep the facility open until it can draw down longer-term funding from Pobal. Deputy O'Brien said: "I welcome the initiative by the HSE and am delighted that this vital community facility will now remain open." "The staff and parents at the Créche who campaigned so vigorously to save it are to be congratulated."

"However it is important to recognise that this situation would never have arisen were it not for the government policy of axing community development projects. I will continue to lobby the new administration to protect and expand the remaining community funding and to provide greater supports for affordable childcare. It is imperative that the long-term future of the créche is secure and that we do not find ourselves in a situation like this again."

Monday, March 21, 2011

A large crowd attended yesterday's commemoration for Lord Mayor Tomás MacCurtain, which was organised by the Phoenix Historical Society.

Over 100 people gathered at the North Cathedral, before marching behind the MacCurtain/MacSwiney Republican Flute Band to the MacCurtain monument on Great William O'Brien Street.

The commemoration was chaired by local councillor Thomas Gould and the main oration delivered by newly-elected Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O'Brien.

In his address Deputy O'Brien gave a brief outline of MacCurtain's life, and proceeded to discuss its relevance today. He said MacCurtain's legacy had been neither fulfilled nor squandered, but was a vision of a united, free and equal Ireland which remains to be achieved. The principles for which MacCurtain laid down his life remained as relevant as ever today, and leadership such as he provided had never been as badly needed.

Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O'Brien will this morning attend a vigil at the Little Steps créche in Farranree, which is slated to close next week as a result of government cutbacks.

Deputy O'Brien said:

"Little Steps is one of only 8 non-private community childcare facilities in Cork City providing affordable childcare. Without this facility, many parents will struggle to afford childcare and some may be forced to leave the workforce."

"The créche is slated to close next week as a result of the cutbacks to community development projects introduced by the previous government. I would appeal to the new government to reverse their predecessor's decision and ensure this vital community facility remains open."

"I will be joining staff and parents at the vigil at 9am this morning."

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Phoenix Historical Society is organising a commemoration this Sunday to honour Tomás MacCurtain, the Lord Mayor of Cork who was gunned down by British forces at his home in Blackpool in March 1920. The commemoration will assemble at 1pm at the North Cathedral before parading to the Tomás MacCurtain monument on Great William O'Brien Street. The main speaker will be Jonathan O'Brien TD.

Encouraging people to turn out for the event, local councillor Thomas Gould said:

"Tomás MacCurtain is a Cork icon. As Lord Mayor of the city he led the people of Cork during the struggle for independence. This year marks the 91st anniversary of his assassination by British forces in March 1920."

"MacCurtain showed the kind leadership and moral courage that our country badly needs today. The commemoration is open to everyone and I would encourage people to come along and join us next Sunday."

The parade will be led by the MacCurtain/MacSwiney Republican Flute Band.

Speaking afterwards, Deputy O’Brien welcomed his appointment and responded to the justice section of the programme for government.

“This document contains several worthy proposals. I particularly welcome the pledges on victim’s rights, on penal reform, and on new anti-corruption legislation.

However the devil is in the detail – or the lack of it.

There is no timeline for implementing any of these proposals.

There are no details of how the proposals will be funded.

Most of the proposals are vague with little sense of how they will work out in practice.

Of particular concern is the impact of cuts on frontline policing and the fight against drugs. The government have said they intend to implement €3 billion in cutbacks next year. There will be more cutbacks the year after. Can the Minister for Justice promise me that the budget for combating drugs and organised crime will be ring-fenced from these reductions? Can he promise me Garda numbers will be maintained?

The public sector recruitment embargo must lifted in order to maintain Garda numbers. The Garda reserve should be scrapped and the money used to employ full-time Gardai.

Urgent action is required to tackle the scourge of drugs which is devastating communities across the country. In my own constituency of Cork North Central I have seen a massive increase in heroin use over the past few years, at the same time as the services to deal with it have been starved of funding. Unfortunately the government’s proposals are long on aspiration but short on specifics.

There is a pledge to expand local rehabilitation services, but the commitment is “subject to available resources”. There is talk of reducing the flow of drugs to prisons and implementing programmes to prevent addiction in schools, but no detail of how this is to be achieved. There is no mention of reversing the two years of funding reductions which have left Drugs Taskforces scrimping to maintain core services. There is no mention of the devastating impact of unemployment and poverty on the communities worst affected by the drugs crisis and no plan to counter it. Indeed, this government plans to deepen the cuts to public services and social welfare benefits introduced by its predecessor.

Sentencing policy is badly in need of reform. A system that can let a drug trafficker off with a suspended sentence while imprisoning someone who is unable to pay their TV licence is unjust and must be changed. I look forward with interest to seeing the government’s proposals in this area and will judge them on their merits.

For too long we have had two laws in this country, one law for the wealthy and powerful and another law for the rest of us. White collar criminal and corrupt politicians need to be brought to justice. There needs to be an Oireachtas enquiry into the causes of our economic collapse, and the circumstances in which the decision to extend a blanket guarantee to the banks came about. Words are not enough. Justice will not have been served until we see senior bankers being put into the back of Garda vans with handcuffs on their wrists.

For further information or comment contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien 085-2133907

Following a meeting with Health Minister Dr James Reilly last night, Jonathan O’Brien TD said the Minister, who is due to make a statement on the future of the hospital today, must honour Fine Gael’s pledge during the election to retain services there.

Deputy O’Brien said:

“Last night I met Dr James Reilly in Leinster House to ask him to clarify his position on the future of the Orthopaedic Hospital and to urge him to keep it open.”

“Dr Reilly denied responsibility for a report in yesterday’s Echo which had said he now supported the HSE’s plans to transfer services from St Mary’s Orthopaedic to the South Infirmary. He said he would be making his position on the issue clear today.”

“I stressed to him the critical importance of retaining the Orthopaedic as the last major health facility on the Northside of the City, and my view that the South Infirmary was not a suitable location for the services from the point of view of access and car-parking.”

“If Dr. Reilly’s statement today is not satisfactory, I will be raising the issue again on the floor of the Dáil next Tuesday. I am not going to let it rest until Fine Gael stand over their election pledge to keep the Orthopaedic open.”

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Cork City Council tonight co-opted Mick Nugent to fill the vacancy left by the election of Jonathan O’Brien to the Dáil.

A life-long republican, Mick Nugent is chair of the Cork Comhairle Ceanntair of Sinn Féin and worked as Jonathan O’Brien’s campaign manager during the recent election.

Speaking after his co-option, Cllr Nugent said:

“I am deeply honoured to become a member of Cork City Council representing Sinn Fein. This is a proud moment for me.”

“In taking up my position, I draw inspiration from men like Tomás MacCurtain and Terence Mac Swiney who previously sat in this council chamber.”

“I want to work and build relationships with everybody in the council, elected members and council officials alike.”

“The people of the North West Ward deserve the best representation possible, and I will do my best to provide it. They have been ably represented by Jonathan O’Brien for eleven years. If I fulfil my role on the council as well as he has done I won’t go far wrong.”

“Finally, I would like to thank my family and my colleagues in Sinn Féin for their support.”

Commenting on the controversy over the failure of construction company BAM to employ local workers on projects tendered from Cork City Council, Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has said the party favoured positive discrimination in favour of unemployed local workers and apprentices.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“Sinn Féin has met with representatives of the Cork Society of Operative Masons who are angered by the fact that BAM construction, which is carrying out work on the Glen Regeneration Project and Coal Quay upgrade on contract from the council, are employing no local workers. All of the employees come from other areas of Ireland.”

“There are thousands of tradesmen currently unemployed in this city. In particular, there are hundreds of apprentices who have been unable to secure jobs and complete their apprenticeships. We believe a portion of jobs on construction projects tendered from City Council should be reserved for local workers.”

“There are precedents for the conclusion of voluntary agreements between local authorities or communities and construction companies to ensure positive discrimination in favour of local workers. These include the construction of Mahon Point Shopping Centre and an earlier phase of the Glen Regeneration Project.”

“We also support breaking local authority tenders into smaller contracts in order to maximise the number of local companies than can compete for them.”

“Sinn Féin will be placing a motion to this effect before the next meeting of the council. It is important that we allow unemployed local construction workers and apprentices a level playing field.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary 087-2793407

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has welcomed the new tenant purchase scheme agreed by the City Council, but said the right to buy should be extended to council tenants in flats and apartments.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“I welcome the passage of tenant purchase scheme which, giving council tenants the opportunity to buy their own homes, will be good for the tenants and good for their communities.”

“It is also positive that money raised through the scheme will be ring-fenced for housing. Sales to tenants will inevitably deplete the housing stock, while only 161 new houses are to be built this year.”

“However it is unfortunate that council tenants who live in flats or apartments are not included in the scheme. I hope the Labour Party will quickly live up to their election commitment to amend national legislation to enable their inclusion in future. It is normal for people in private developments to purchase their apartments, so I do not see why there should be a difficulty because the landlord is the council.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary 087-2793407

Monday, March 14, 2011

Jonathan O’Brien TD has described the politicisation of Friday night’s debate on the legacy of Tomás Mac Curtain and Terence MacSwiney, during which members of the panel launched attacks on republicanism both past and present, as completely inappropriate. Deputy O’Brien said: “Friday night’s debate at City Hall was billed as a serious reflection on the legacy of two of this city’s most honoured sons, Tomás Mac Curtain and Terence MacSwiney. Instead it turned into a highly politicised attack on republicanism both past and present.”

“The panel was deeply unbalanced, with three out of its four members having links to the Sunday Independent. The views of that newspaper both on republicanism, and the struggle for independence in Cork during the period 1919-21, are well known.” “While debate about our history is healthy, the lack of balance on the panel and reasoned debate was unfortunate for what was a commemorative occasion and particularly inappropriate given that members of both the MacCurtain and MacSwiney families were in attendance by invitation of the organisers.”

“In the course of the debate, panellist Ruth Dudley Edwards made a number of allegations about Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD. These allegations are both outrageous and untrue. They clearly reflect the political agenda of the individual concerned.” “Both Gerry Adams and the Sinn Féin party have a democratic mandate which was renewed and strengthened in the recent election. This is more than can be claimed for any member of the panel which on Friday night took it upon themselves to attack republicanism in all its manifestations.” For further information or comment contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907.

Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has reiterated his party’s call for the bailout deal with the EU/IMF to be put to the people in a referendum. Deputy O’Brien said: “Fine Gael and Labour have pledged to renegotiate the terms of the bailout deal with the EU/IMF. It is vital that any negotiation results in real changes, not just cosmetic tinkering with the small print.” “Ireland simply cannot afford the cost of the bank bailout or the penal interest rate which the EU is charging. Already there are indications that the latest “stress tests” on the banks may see the cost of the bailout rise still further. It is time to stop throwing money into an ever-deepening black hole.” “We need to make the bondholders take their losses.

This is the message that Enda Kenny should be taking to Brussels.” “Instead, it appears the government will be pressed to accept a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base or changes to our 12.5% rate of Corporation Tax in return for minor concessions on the interest rate. Sinn Féin predicted during the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty that its passage would lead to further pressure to harmonise tax rates across Europe and this has proven to be the case.”

“Sinn Féin believes the new government should immediately put the bailout deal with the EU/IMF to a referendum. This has the potential to strengthen their hand in negotiations, by showing that the Irish people regard the terms of the deal as unacceptable.” For further information or comment contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Responding to the appointment of Kathleen Lynch as Minister for State at the Department of Health, Jonathan O’Brien TD has said there is a onus on her to help end the run-down of health facilities in the Northside.

Deputy O’Brien said:

“Cork’s Northside has seen its local health services run down over a period of years, from the closure of the North Infirmary to the gradual withdrawal of services from the Orthopaedic Hospital and its scheduled closure.”

“As Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch will be in an ideal position to make sure the needs of people living on the Northside for proper healthcare services are made clear to the bureaucrats in the Department of Health. There is a responsibility on her to use her position to end the neglect of this area of the city. In particular, saving the Orthopaedic Hospital must be at the top of her agenda.”

“Sinn Féin has consistently campaigned for decent health services for the Northside. I would like to congratulate Kathleen on her new appointment, while assuring her that we will be waiting to see whether this government is prepared to deliver for the people of the Northside.”

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Cork Sinn Féin has nominated Mick Nugent to fill the vacancy left on Cork City Council by the election of Jonathan O’Brien as TD. The nomination will go before next Monday’s council meeting for approval.

A life-long republican, Mick Nugent is chair of the Cork Comhairle Ceanntair of Sinn Féin and worked as Jonathan O’Brien’s campaign manager in his successful general election campaign. He was selected unanimously as the party’s choice for co-option at a convention of members from the city’s Northside earlier this week.

Reacting to the decision, Deputy O’Brien said:

“I would like to congratulate Mick on being selected to replace me on the council. We have worked closely together over a series of election campaigns and I am confident he will be a strong representative for the people of the North West Ward.”

Accepting the nomination, Mick Nugent stated:

“I am honoured to be chosen to represent the North West Ward on the city council. Jonathan O’Brien has served the area well over the past eleven years, and I will continue to work with him as the local TD to serve the community and make sure that people’s concerns are heard both in the council chamber and Leinster House.”

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Commenting on the City Council’s proposed new tenant purchase scheme, Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has said national legislation should be amended to extend the right to buy to council tenants in flats and apartments.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“At present, council tenants who live in flats or apartments are excluded from tenant purchase schemes under national legislation. This is unjust. It sets up two classes of council tenants, one of whom has the right to purchase their home while the other does not. Many in the second category would not qualify for a transfer to a three-bedroom council house, so they are in effect precluded from ever owning their own home.”

“Frankly, I find it bizarre that although it is quite usual for private tenants to own their own apartments, national legislation assumes that councils are somehow unable to manage a similar situation in local authority developments.”

“This is a significant issue, which was brought up on the doors by a substantial number of people I canvassed during the recent election. There are council tenants across the city who want to buy out their flats but are prevented from doing so. The sale of these dwellings would also raise badly needed money for the council’s housing budget. I am calling on the incoming government to amend national legislation so the tenant purchase scheme can be extended to all council tenants.”

Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien will be outside the Social Welfare Office on Hanover Quay this morning to remind the incoming government that job creation is still the number one issue and promote Sinn Fein’s 10-point plan for job creation in Cork.

Deputy O’Brien said:

“The election campaign is now over, but there are still nearly 450,000 unemployed and almost a thousand people are emigrating every week. Providing them with jobs and hope must be the top priority for the new government.”

“I canvassed outside the social welfare office in Hanover Street several times during the election campaign and always received a warm response. I wanted to come back here this morning as a TD to thank people for their support and pledge that job creation will by at the top of my agenda in the new Dáil.”

“Sinn Féin has produced a 10-point plan for job creation in Cork, which we believe could create at least 7,500 jobs in a relatively short time span. This would involve investment in vital infrastructure, including schools, primary health care centres, crèches and an upgraded Orthopaedic Hospital, as well as further development of the agri-food sector and support for local businesses. I would urge the incoming government to take on board some of these ideas and act quickly to reduce unemployment in the city.”

Monday, March 7, 2011

Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has said the programme for government agreed by Fine Gael and Labour represents a continuation of Fianna Fail policies and will bitterly disappoint people who voted for change in the election.

Deputy O’Brien said:

“Today’s deal means that while there will be different faces sitting around the cabinet table, they will be implementing the same old policies that have bankrupted the country and left low and middle-income earners struggling to make ends meet.”

“Last December’s budget, with its savage cuts in social welfare and introduction of the Universal Social Charge, is to be implemented in full. Another €3 billion will be taken out of the economy next year. Fianna Fáil’s four year programme of cutbacks is effectively unchanged. Further billions are to be poured into the black hole that is the banks.”

“The new government will introduce water charges and a property tax – but the coalition has explicitly ruled out any increase in the tax levied on high earners. 25,000 public servants are to be let go by 2015 – a move that is certain to decimate frontline services.”

“There is nothing in this programme for government to offer hope for the unemployed, those contemplating emigration, or hard-pressed families who are struggling to make ends meet. The Labour Party, in particular, has failed those who voted for change in the election. They have formally signed up to the consensus for cuts alongside Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. Sinn Féin is now the last line of defence for working people and that is a role we will take seriously in the new Dáil.”

Friday, March 4, 2011

Speaking last night after attending his first parliamentary party meeting in Dublin, Jonathan O’Brien TD said Sinn Féin would be the real opposition in the new Dáil to a “coalition for cuts” led by Fine Gael.

Cllr O’Brien said:

“Today I attended my first parliamentary party meeting of the new Sinn Féin group in Leinster House. With fourteen TDs – more than triple our numbers in the outgoing Dáil – we are going to ensure there is a strong, principled voice for working people in the new chamber.”

“We need to reverse the Universal Social Charge and ease the financial pressure on hard-pressed families. We need to create jobs and end the tide of emigration that is seeing up to 1,000 people a week leave our shores. We must invest in our economy to get it growing again and that includes providing vital infrastructure for Cork’s Northside, which has been neglected for too long. These are among the issues I will be speaking out on in the Dáil.”

“Recent statements by Fine Gael and Labour that the public finances are worse than they had believed are designed to provide cover for the Labour Party to ditch its election promises and form a coalition for cuts with Fine Gael. As we pointed out during the election campaign, Fine Gael and Labour are set to continue the failed policies of Fianna Fail.”

“This leaves Sinn Féin as the only party providing real opposition. I look forward to playing my part in the new Dáil in offering the Irish people a real alternative to the politics of the establishment parties.”